ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Fine Arts
Fine Arts
The Fine Arts Department offers courses that promote individual expression through visual, dramatic and instrumental arts. The arts foster creativity in the individual expanding cognitive skills that leads to improved academic performance. Through our fine arts courses, you will have the opportunity to develop lifelong communication skills while developing an appreciation of talent and culture. Developing an appreciation for the arts allows you to fully recognize the beauty in God’s creation and gives you an expressive voice in the service of God. Visual and performing arts classes at FGR teach you about the role religion has played in the creation of art throughout history.
As a department, we place a strong emphasis on performance. As a student in the choir, you will sing daily and prepare to sing at school Masses, concerts, and as outreach programs. Drama students, you will act in a variety of skits and scenes, and, if you wish, use the class as preparation for the Drama Club productions. Visual Art students, you will hang your work in the hallways and, possibly, enter various art shows throughout the state. Not only will you build confidence and develop a professional attitude toward your work, you will also learn critical thinking and critiquing skills.
The study of the arts will provide you the opportunity to develop your God-given gifts while meditating on the beauty of His works and offering those gifts back to Him.
All students must take two semester-long fine arts courses over the course of four years.
Visual Arts Division
Art I - Basic Foundation
Prerequisite: None
Class size is limited to 20 students.
This is an introductory course open to all students. Prior art experience is not necessary. Students will learn and explore the elements of art and principles of design – the foundation necessary to become better artists. Students will be introduced to a variety of techniques and mediums which will be used in class projects.
Art II – Drawing and Painting
Prerequisite: Art I
Class size is limited to 20 students.
This course is designed to encourage students to further develop their talents and abilities studied in Art I. Students will continue to build upon their skills, knowledge, and methods of drawing and painting applications to create two-dimensional artwork.
3D Art and Design
Prerequisite: Art I, Art II and/or permission of the instructor
Class size is limited to 15 students.
In this course, students will design, develop, and display 3-dimensional artwork using a variety of techniques and materials including cardboard, metal, wood, and clay. Students will use their sketchbook for creative problem-solving and to help them think about how materials, processes, and ideas can be used to develop work that exists in a given space. Through individual and group projects, students will be challenged to think independently and collaborate with peers to create work that exhibits an understanding of the elements and principles of art and design.
Advanced Studio Art
Prerequisite: Art I, Art II and/or permission of the instructor
With permission from the instructor, this course can be taken more than once.
Class size is limited to 10 students.
This instructor-guided studio class is designed for advanced students who want to continue their study of a specific art discipline (2-D or 3-D). Students will refine techniques and continue in-depth exploration of a chosen medium to create 6-8 completed works by the end of the semester. This course is encouraged for students who plan to take Advanced Placement Art to develop their individual portfolio.
Advanced Placement Art- Drawing, 2D Art & Design
Prerequisite: Art I, Art II and/or permission of the instructor
Class size is limited to 10 students.
AP Art is intended for the serious art student planning to continue in the field of art and design. Emphasis is placed on portfolio development through experimentation of ideas, materials and processes. Students will apply mastery of technique to develop an individual style and strong body of work in preparation of a portfolio to be submitted to colleges. Students will also have the option to submit a Drawing or 2D Art and Design portfolio to the AP College Board.
Glass
Prerequisite: Art I
Class size is limited to 12 students.
Seniors only
This course builds on the knowledge studied in Art I to create original glass designs. Students will learn the technical, manual, and aesthetics of mosaic and stained-glass design and explore its application throughout history of the Church. Projects include mosaic and stained-glass works.
Introduction to Ceramics
Prerequisite: Art I
Class size is limited to 12 students.
Seniors only
This is a beginning ceramics-pottery class for individual students who are interested in acquiring knowledge and skills in clay. Students will be introduced to all basic aspects of sculptural and functional pottery by means of hand building and wheel throwing.
Dramatic and Instrumental Arts Divisions
Choir
Do you love singing and making music? Choir is a performance ensemble dedicated to utilizing the gift of voice to glorify God. Focusing on singing in harmony, the choir performs a wide repertoire of sacred and secular music, teaching students to sing with proper technique, experience the benefit of sight-sighting, and how to work collaboratively in a large group setting. Choir is open to all students regardless of their skill or experience level. The choir will prepare and perform for various school events, Choir Festival, and school Masses, enriching our school and liturgical celebrations with beautiful, faith-filled music.
*Ireland Pilgrimage Requirement (for 2026-2027 school year only):
Students wishing to participate in the Ireland Pilgrimage (June 2027) must be enrolled in Choir or Madrigals for the full 2026–2027 academic year. Pilgrimage includes visits to Sligo, Dublin, and more with performances at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and a Marian concert at Our Lady of Knock. This is designed as a spiritual and musical pilgrimage with visits to holy sites steeped in Catholic tradition and opportunities to sing in these sacred places.
Madrigals
Prerequisite: Audition only (previous choir experience required and ability to solfege sight-read)
Can be elected more than once.
Madrigals is an audition-only, (mostly) acapella choir. Auditions are held in May for upcoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students will learn to sing a wide variety of advanced multi-part sacred and secular repertoire while working cooperatively in a small ensemble setting. Madrigals act as an outreach group for the school, performing at a variety of venues to use the gift of music to share our Catholic faith through joyful and reverent singing. The Madrigals will perform on a regular basis at school Masses, concerts, Choir Festival, and other occasions in order to enrich these celebrations with beautiful, faith-filled music.
Concert Band
Can be elected more than once.
Students in the concert band will rehearse and perform music of various styles and difficulty levels. The daily objective of the course is to foster and promote musical growth through the playing of an instrument by the student. As a member of the concert band, each student should know that group effort and cooperation are necessary for a successful program. Each student is expected to show technical and musical growth throughout the course. This class will also provide performance opportunities for the student. The band will perform Christmas and Spring Concerts as well as performances at the school Open Houses. The Concert Band participates in the MSBOA Band and Orchestra Festival and students have the opportunity to participate individually in Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Drama I
Prerequisite: None
Whether you want to be a star or just get more comfortable in front of people, Drama I teaches you the skills to perform confidently. You will learn to think fast, to physically commit to what you are saying, and say it like you mean it. We start with some fun games, some improvisation and finally some scene work. It’s so much fun, you don’t realize you are learning!
Drama II
Prerequisite: Drama I or permission of the instructor
Can be elected more than once.
Drama II is an acting intensive. This class gives the opportunity for one-on-one coaching and feedback. We explore the emotional depth needed for ancient Greek tragedy and the heightened language skills required for Shakespearean texts. We explore different acting techniques while preparing scenes and monologues in different classical styles, then end with reading and performing a modern play together. Drama II is a great way to grow in your knowledge of yourself as well as growing as a performer.